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The "world's leading trade fair for the world of music" is just around the corner.

What new product(s) would you like to see annouced at this event? Or new features added to an existing product.

I will get the ball rolling:

1) The V-Piano Upright for the type of person who hasn't the space / budget for the V-Piano Grand but want the touch and sound of the V in a family friendly format. Me, for example. Price? Less than half way between the V-Piano and the V-Piano Grand.

2) Any DP from any manufacturer with a user interface that actually belongs in the 21st century and puts all the others to shame.

Actually, on the perfection side it would be nice if someone would make a hybrid that actually incorporated the weight of the dampers correctly. On acoustics, the downweight of a key is significantly lower when the pedal is depressed. All digitals and hybrids currently living have a constant downweight, unrelated to the pedal. AvantGrands appear to aim for a downweight in between the two acoustic scenarios, which feels heavy to some people.

How about a tablet actually made for musicians - big enough for full-sized print music, a simple blinking light metronome (app controlled, of course but one that doesn't take up screen space to operate) and a powered connection that can draw from the keyboard. And access to sample libraries from some of our favorite software instruments, perhaps only limited patches, but available for live output.

Maybe a "Kindle" (iPad?) for downloading thousands of Music Scores for cheapAbility to change Key on Demand and Illustrate Score properly on KindleUSB connection between Piano and Kindle and ability to follow Music played and scroll Score across Screen in a bidirectional manner

Well, I hate to be the voice of reason (actually, I don't), but with the global economy still in the toilet, I'd say this is a sign of the times. If folks ain't buyin'---either because they can't, or are holding on tight, or are satisfied with what they have---then it's hard to justify the R&D $$$, to put out new stuff, if you're not moving existing product.

Having spent time in retail, I know, it's a tough gig when times are good---especially with commodity items and internet commerce...it's even tougher when the economy is in the tank.

Nord seems to be doing okay...well, at least they're putting out product...

Interesting on the Physis Piano. Seems like an actual competitor for the V-Piano. Any word on pricing or availability? Or is it vaporware?

This is yet another Italian venture that pushes the envelope. I shall be very interested to see/hear this product. I just hope they have instituted proper quality control and parts sourcing, as well as effective marketing and customer support, as those seem to be the areas where they don't often score high marks.

_________________________"you don't need to have been a rabbit in order to become a veterinarian"

I can't help but be reminded of the GEM ProMega series...for which I always pined, but I'm not sure ever lived up to its potential. Perhaps these folks will get it right.

I also can't help but wonder if GEM PM folks are also involved here...

Both the Physis and GEM products have had university input (Padova in the case of GEM). I suspect that the research has been ongoing for years, with cross-fertilization involving former GEM employees. I saw a post recently from a Viscount rep that stated that their i-motion chip is similar to GEM's Drake engine.

Having owned two GEM products based on the Promega engine, I can say that it was a great concept, but that the long-term reliability factor was an issue.

_________________________"you don't need to have been a rabbit in order to become a veterinarian"